Platform versus balloon framing

Structure · Wood Frame Walls · printed page 65 (PDF page 66)

Book index entries

Balloon versus Platform Framing Framing – Balloon versus Platform Platform versus Balloon Framing Wood Frame Wood Frame – Wall

Text in the illustration

roof framing
second floor
subfloor
end joist
first floor framing
foundation wall
platform framing
balloon framing
perspective view

Generated explanation

Two exploded perspective views compare platform framing on the left with balloon framing on the right, from the foundation wall to the roof framing. The platform-framed assembly shows separate story-height studs bearing on floor platforms, with subfloor panels over the floor framing and end joists enclosing the edges. The balloon-framed assembly shows studs extending past the second-floor framing, with floor joists supported alongside the studs rather than by a separate wall-top platform. Both assemblies include wood wall plates and sloping roof rafters. No defects are identified.

Components

wall studs corner studs wall plates floor joists end joists subfloor floor support ledger roof rafters foundation wall

Materials

wood framing lumber wood subfloor panels concrete